HOLY SMOKE DEFENCE FAILS

SAULT STE. MARIE -- A judge called a Wisconsin man's explanation that he
needs ecstasy, LSD and marijuana for religious purposes "interesting," but
not good enough to warrant a stay of the charges against him.

Generik Broderick, 42, asked for a stay of charges pending the outcome of
an appeal of a case involving a fellow church member.

Broderick, of Mount Horeb, Wisc., was arrested March 14 when he tried to
enter Canada. He was charged with possession of marijuana, ecstasy and LSD.

Broderick said his church considers marijuana a sacrament and uses cannabis
and the other two narcotics in religious ceremonies.

Describing it as a "very interesting situation," Cohen said he felt the
case should go to trial quickly. A trial date will be set June 3.